From Diaby to Gervinho: Wenger's Arsenal deadwood

1. Goalkeepers

Wojciech Szczesny described Lukasz Fabianski as "the best No.2 in the country" last season. "Every time he goes in goal the team is confident he will do a good job," he added.

A dubious statement regarding a keeper who has not featured in the Premier League since 2010. Admittedly, injuries curtailed progression to a promising career after a few notable standout displays against the likes of Chelsea beforehand.

However, after returning to full fitness last term, the Pole failed to test Szczesny for the No.1 jersey, making do with just six appearances in cup competitions - conceding a less-than-impressive eight goals and managing to keep no clean sheets. He is yet to feature for Arsenal at all this season, despite being fit for the majority, with his contract set to expire in June.

Vito Mannone, meanwhile, has been called upon 13 times this season, keeping three clean sheets but conceding a worrying 16 goals.

The Italian garnered praised while on loan at Hull City last season, but aged 24 you have to question a player's desire to better himself and not be content with a place on the substitutes' bench week in, week out. Technical flaws are evident in his game, naturally borne out of a continual lack of consistent first-team action.

This, in turn, could have a negative effect on Szczesny, who is comfortably first choice. Looking at the likes of rivals Tottenham - with Hugo Lloris and Brad Friedel - and Premier League leaders Manchester United - with David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard - who both have two impressive goalkeepers that continually put pressure on each other to succeed to their fullest and are doing much better than the Gunners currently.

Sunday, 17 February 2013 08:00

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From Diaby to Gervinho: Wenger's Arsenal deadwood

From Diaby to Gervinho: Wenger's Arsenal deadwood

Following Arsenal's shock 1-0 home defeat to Blackburn in the FA Cup, which ended another opportunity of silverware after an eight-year absence, Goal.com looks at those who are not pulling their weight at the Emirates Stadium.